WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-8-20

State Supreme Court Judge Scott DelConte ruled today that the Board of Elections for all 8 counties in the 22nd Congressional District must fix their errors in the ballot counting process.  Justice DelConte said that the Board of Elections must ensure there are no more misplaced ballots, that all challenged ballots noted as challenged and all previously uncounted ballots must be counted, if those 3 items are not finished, a recount may be ordered.  Vote counts had both Anthony Brinidisi & Claudia Tenney leading by about a dozen votes at various times, after more than 28,000 ballots were counted.

Chenango County Public Health continues to see an increase in COVID 19 cases locally, with 15 more positives reported Monday.  Chenango County is up to 89 Active Cases, 6 are hospitalized & 430 are quarantined.  Chenango County had had 739 Total Cases with 632 recoveries 13 deaths and over 47,800 tests have been conducted.

All of the local Counties have seen an increase in COVID 19 cases since the beginning of November, with more increases expected due to continuing Holliday gatherings, Heather Warner of Delaware County Public Health told WCDO news that we could see New York on Pause again if people continue to ignore guidance:

(Heather Warner 12-8-20)

Governor Cuomo has Hospitals will be Mandated to Expand Capacity by 25%, Regions to Be Designated as Red Zones if Hospital Capacity Is Projected to Become Critical, New York State is Asking Retired Doctors and Nurses to Return to Service & Indoor Dining could be Reduced to 25% in the upstate counties if a Region's Hospitalizations Do Not Stabilize in Next few Days.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond said that he continues to receive phone calls regarding a grandparent scam, where someone calls an unsuspecting grandparent pretending to be a grandchild in trouble, or a law enforcement official who has arrested a grandchild.  Sheriff DuMond told WCDO News that unfortunately, the caller sounds realistic:

(DuMond 12-8-20)

Sheriff DuMond said that people can report any fraud targeting older people to the Federal Trade Commission online or at 877-382-4357.

Speculation continues to swirl regarding the future of Acco Brands in Sidney, as employment has continues to decrease over the last several years, Julie McEwan is in Media Relations in Acco's Illinois headquarters, and she told WCDO News that nothing has been decided yet:

(Julie McEwan 12-8-20)

McEwan said that the company typically employs up to 500 people at their Sidney facility.

State Police arrested 27 year old Brittany Cochran of Binghamton for felony Possession of a Forged Instrument; she is accused of trying to purchase a vehicle from a private seller using counterfeit money.  State Police also arrested 36 year old Hahseem McQueen of Binghamton for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, in connection with the case, both were transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing after their arrests.

Raymond Corporation’s Sales and Service Centers raised a total of $11,700 for breast cancer awareness during the 7th annual Pink Pallet Jack Project online auction.  3 Raymond powered pallet jacks were auctioned off on eBay between October 19th & the 29th, with all the proceeds split evenly between the 3 organizations,  Winning bids were accepted from 3 transportation companies, with their donations going to assist patients recovering from breast cancer treatments, both physically and financially.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-8-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 22 new cases of COVID 19 Monday; there has been a cluster of 12 cases associated with the Cooperstown American Legion.  Otsego County reports 1440 total confirmed cases, 127 active cases, 14 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths since March.

Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 8 news COVID cases Monday, with 87 active cases 5 hospitalized & 254 are quarantined, they are up to 446 total cases with 350 recoveries & 9 deaths.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-27-20

Chenango County Public Health reported that they had 76 Active Cases of COVID 19 to report today. They have 402 Quarantines, 6 people are hospitalized, and they have had 605 Total Cases with 503 Total Recoveries

Hartwick College reported two new cases of COVID-19 have been detected. There are five active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1, 2020 is 73.

When The Vote Count Stopped in the 22nd Congressional district stopped Tuesday, incumbent Democrat Anthony Brindisi had a lead of about 1 dozen votes over Republic Claudia Tenney.  On Tuesday, State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte issued an injunction on any new vote totals until Monday November 30, even though the State Board of Elections had set a deadline of November 28 for county boards of elections to certify their vote totals.

Catholic Charities of Delaware Otsego & Schoharie Counties is selling paper “Bricks” at their Sidney office for their “Keeping Our Communities Warm 1 Brick at a Time” fundraiser, Penny McKnight of Catholic Charities explains:

(Penny McKnight 11-9-20)

More information about the program is available at 604-4071 or stopping at the Sidney office in the Civic Center at 21 Liberty Street.

Attorney General Letitia James today released the annual "Pennies for Charity: Fundraising by Professional Fundraisers" report, which found that nearly 1/3rd of charitable donations ended up in the pockets of professional fundraisers.  People can report suspicious organizations by contacting the Attorney General's Charities Bureau by email to bureau@ag.ny.gov or (212) 416-8401.  More information about the Attorney General's Charities Bureau and organizations regulated by the Bureau may be found at charitiesnys.com.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-27-20

The State Health Department tested over 217,000 New Yorkers Wednesday, with over 6900 positive tests.  Patient Hospitalization increased to 3, 056,  the number of patients in ICU beds is up to 628 & the Number on Ventilators is up to 286, there were 67 deaths from the virus, the Total number of Deaths is 26,549.  The state has conducted 18.7 million tests since March.

Delaware County Public Health reported 11 new cases of COVID 19 Wednesday & 4 more on Thursday, bringing their total to 339 since March.  They reported 56 active cases, 4 are hospitalized, 230 are in quarantine, and there have been 274 recoveries & 9 deaths.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 13 new COVID 19 cases Wednesday, they have had 1249 total confirmed cases, 113 active cases, 6 are hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, and 764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 73 cases are linked to Hartwick College.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-25-20

State health department tested over 173,000 New Yorkers Tuesday, with 6265 testing positive, or 3.6% of all tested.  41 died from the virus Tuesday, the state death toll is 26,482 & 2982 are hospitalized.

Chenango County Public Health continues to see smaller increases in COVID 19 cases; they reported 72 Active Cases, 5 hospitalizations & 410 Quarantines.  Chenango County reported 20 more cases since Monday, they have had 583 Confirmed Cases since March, with 503 Recoveries & over 43,400 Tests have been performed.

Broome County Health Department reported 85 more cases of COVID 19 today; they have had a total of 4937 cases.  They report 116 deaths, 4202 recoveries & about 2900 are being monitored by the department.

Rockefeller the Owl was released back into the wild early this morning.  The owl made the trip from West Oneonta to New York City on the tree that will be the official Rockefeller Center Christmas tree this year, the owl was found by workers & was turned over to the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, it is expected to acclimate itself to the local Owl Population.

The Norwich City School District Board of Education announced that Scott Ryan will be the next Superintendent of the District; Ryan is expected to take over for Interim Superintendent Diana Bowers in January.

Oswego State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte has ordered an injunction stopping the review of ballots in the 22nd Congressional District race between Anthony Brindisi & Claudia Tenney.  Judge DelConte stated that any new motions need to be filed by the campaigns’ attorneys by 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 30th; however, the State Board of Elections set a deadline of November 28th for county boards of elections to certify and transmit their election returns to the state.  Tenney was leading Brindisi by about 200 votes when the counting of absentee ballots was stopped.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-25-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 21 new COVID 19 Cases reported Tuesday, 42 recent cases are linked to the Copper Fox in Oneonta, the department also reports a Potential exposure to COVID at the Red Jug Pub on Friday November 20th, patrons at that time should monitor for symptoms until December 4th.  Currently, Otsego County has had 1236 total confirmed cases, with 115 active cases, 6 hospitalized; there have been 8 deaths since March.  764 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College

Oneonta City School District announced that they have learned of a 5th staff member COVID 19 positive case & 1 confirmed case in a student. All District schools will go fully remote until Tuesday, January 19th & then return to hybrid instruction on January 19th.  81 students are in quarantine & 27 staff members are also in quarantine.   Meal distribution will continue to take place at the designated meal distribution points on Wednesdays.

Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 9 more cases of COVID 19 Tuesday, with 5 hospitalizations, 49 active cases & 222 in quarantine.  Delaware County has had 324 total cases of COVID 19, with 266 recoveries & 9 deaths.

The Sidney Central School District has been notified that 3 members of the District have tested positive for COVID-19. The Department of Health Services is conducting and completing the contact tracing. The Health Department will be contacting people impacted by a potential exposure. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time. The district is working in collaboration with local health departments to make sure all necessary procedures are followed.

The State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for October, the State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 9.7% to 9.6%. Locally, Chenango County had 5% unemployment, Delaware County had 5.2% and Otsego County had 5.6% in October.

State Senator Jen Metzger of the 42nd Senate District, conceded the race to Republican Michael Martucci Tuesday.  There were 30,000 absentee ballots that needed to be counted in that district; the results confirmed Martucci's Election Day lead in the race.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors adopted the county budget at their meeting Tuesday, several department heads received pay raises.  The budget has a property tax levy increase of about 1.7%

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-11-20

50 year old Richard Millard of Vestal was sentenced to 6 years in prison for starting a fire that caused Home Central in Vestal, to burn down in February. Millard was charged with 2nd degree arson, he pleaded guilty in August in Broome County Court & was sentenced there Tuesday.

November 10 was the last day absentee ballots could be received by the Board of Elections across New York State, and now those votes will be officially added to the count. There were many more absentee ballots sent out this year due to the pandemic, in New York's 22nd Congressional District race, the counting of the absentee ballots starts this week, Republican Claudia Tenney held a lead over incumbent Anthony Brindisi, but there were more than 64,000 absentee ballots requested in that district this year.

Fire Investigators in Otsego County believe that it was a spark from a lawn mower may have caused a fire that destroyed a barn in Fly Creek Tuesday. The barn was located on Hoke Road, near the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, it caught fire at about 12:30 Tuesday afternoon, No injuries were reported.

Construction is underway for the New Berlin Firehouse & Community Center, New Berlin Mayor Terry Potter has an update:

(Terry Potter 11-11-20)

Mayor Potter said that they are planning for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the conclusion of the construction.

Chenango County Public Health announced today their latest COVID 19 numbers, they have 36 Active cases, 240 are quarantined, & 4 people are hospitalized. They report a total of 472 cases since the spring, with 9 deaths, 413 recoveries & they have conducted just under 40,000 tests.

Hartwick College reported no new cases of COVID-19 were reported, they still have 9 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1st is 66.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-11-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 4 new cases of COVID 19 Tuesday. The County has 39 active cases, no one is hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, of the 1072 total confirmed cases, 755 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 64 cases are reported in Hartwick College students .

Delaware County Public Health reported another 10 cases of COVID 19 Tuesday, giving them a total of 251 since March. There are 11 hospitalized, among the 72 active cases, 240 are quarantined, 170 have recovered, the county has had 9 deaths.

The State Health department reported that 3965 people tested positive for COVID 19 Monday out of 128,036 total tests, or just over 3% of all tested. Patient Hospitalizations went up by more than 100 to 1,548, the number in ICU beds went up by 14 to 296 & the number of ventilators was up slightly to 128. There were 32 COVID Deaths, the state death toll is 26,005.

State Senator Jim Seward announced the late Corporal Michael Mayne of Burlington Flats is the 2020 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame from the 51st Senate District. Corporal Mayne served in the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he lost his life at the age of 21, along with 2 other American soldiers and a translator on February 23, 2009, in Iraq when insurgents attacked his unit.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch participated in a bridge dedication ceremony for the Sidney Veterans’ Memorial Highway Tuesday, he told WCDO News of the importance of that dedication to Veterans:

(Cliff Crouch 11-11-20)

Crouch and State Senator Jim Seward sponsored legislation last year that allowed for the dedication of the stretch of Route 8 between the Susquehanna River and I-88 in Sidney to honor veterans in the community and state.

P.M. NEWS Monday 11-2-20

Tomorrow is Election Day, with a host of Offices to be decided by voters. Of Course, there is the vote for President, as well as all seats in the US House of Representatives, the New York State Senate & State Assembly. Check with your County Board of Elections regarding polling sites, and other local races.

Broome County Health Department announced that they are up to 374 active cases of COVID 19 bringing their total to 3619 since March. They reported 2 more deaths Monday, bringing their total to 101. 46 people are hospitalized and they have 3120 recoveries & over 5600 people are being monitored by the Health Department.

Chenango County Public Health continues to report new cases of COVID 19. Today the total number of cases is 425, 38 are active cases, 248 are quarantined, 10 are hospitalized. There have been 360 recoveries, 7 deaths & over 37,000 tests have been conducted.

Hartwick College reported Monday that no new cases of COVID-19 have been detected. There are 30 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1st is up to 55.

The Sidney Memorial Library announced that people can return those long lost Library items during their Food for Fines program today through November 16th. Beth Paine of the Sidney Library explains:

(Beth Paine 11-2-20)

Paine Said that Sidney Library donations will go to the Sidney Food Bank, Masonville Branch Library donations will go to the Masonville Food Bank & Sidney Center Branch Library donations will go to the Sidney Center Food Bank. More information is available at 563-1200.

A.M. NEWS Monday 11-2-20

The State Health Department announced that 148,935 COVID 19 tests were conducted Saturday, with 2255 positives statewide. 1125 are hospitalized, the number in ICU beds is up to 259 & 117 are on ventilators, there were 17 deaths Saturday, for a total of 25,824 since March.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the arrest of Beau Plunkett of New York on I-88 in Sidney for allegedly trafficking methamphetamines from Louisiana. Plunkett was arrested by State Police October 26th after a traffic stop in Sidney, he was charged with a felony count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Police seized meth, a scale and packaging materials in the vehicle, Plunkett appeared in federal court in Binghamton and was turned over to U.S. Marshals

Governor Cuomo announced changes for travelers who were in another state for more than 24 hours, they must obtain a COVID test within 3 days of departure from that state & once in New York they must quarantine for 3 days. On day 4, they must take a COVID test. If both tests come back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine. For travelers who were in another state for less than 24 hours, they don't need a test prior to their departure from the other state, and they don't need to quarantine in New York State, they do need to fill out the traveler information form and take a COVID test on the 4th day in New York. The new protocol is effective this Wednesday, essential workers & those from contiguous states are exempt.

Otsego County Health Department reported 11 cases of COVID 10 this weekend; 5 cases in Hartwick students and 1 case in SUNY Oneonta. The County's COVID numbers: 1022 total confirmed cases, 36 active cases, 0 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, 754 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 54 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Delaware County Public Health announced Sunday that they had 3 more cases of COVID 19 to report, they are up to 31 active cases, with 4 hospitalized & 141 quarantined. They are up to 180 cases total, with 9 deaths & 140 recoveries, over 24,500 tests have been performed.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 10-27-20

The Broome County Sheriff's Office reported that 2 people were indicted following an investigation into the death of a 23-year-old Kayla Kunkel, who was on the autism spectrum. 56-year-old Renee Kunkel and 61-year-old Edward Kunkel were indicted for 2nd degree manslaughter, Endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, & endangering the welfare of a child. Deputies & EMS responded to 40 Theresa Blvd in the town of Chenango for the report of a person not breathing, they found Kayla Kunkel and performed CPR, before she was taken to Wilson Hospital, where she later died. The investigation determined Kayla Kunkel was not capable of caring for herself and her death was from "inadequate guardianship.” 2 other children were living in the residence, in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

The Chenango County Board of Elections announced that a hacker attack against their computer system has raised concerns that some emailed absentee ballot applications may not be processed. The Chenango Board of Elections has advised anyone who emailed an absentee ballot application after Oct. 15 to call 337-1760 to verify that it had been received. The Computers are being repaired & the State Board of elections believes the issue will not affect the election results.

The Sidney Police Department responded to a fight in progress call on Smith Street in the Village of Sidney. Officers located the victim lying on the sidewalk being tended to by local residents. Officers located 23 year old John Rathbun of Sidney at the scene; he was arrested and charged with harassment, aggravated harassment, criminal mischief & Criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Rathbun was arraigned in the Village of Sidney Court where a temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim, he was released on an appearance ticket, At 7:50 PM Monday, Rathbun was found to be in violation of the temporary order of protection, he was then charged with Criminal contempt, he was arraigned virtually, & was again released & was ordered to appear in court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies performed a traffic-stop on River Street in the Village of Sidney last Thursday night; they arrested 33 year old Carmine DeClemente of Sidney for unlawful possession of marijuana & operating a vehicle without a headlight. Deputies seized an undisclosed amount of marijuana from the vehicle; DeClemente was issued an appearance ticket for the Village of Sidney Court on a later date to answer the charges.

Commerce Chenango's annual fundraising Auction will be a virtual one this year, starting on November 6th. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 10-27-20)

The live Auction will be held November 12th at 7:00 PM, at 32auctions.com/commerce Chenango.

The Village of Bainbridge announced their Halloween schedule this Saturday, Village Mayor Phil Wade explains:

(Phil Wade 10-27-20)

Mayor Wade suggested that trick or treaters avoid State Route 206 this year due to the construction project.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 10-27-20

Nicolas Meridy was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison in Otsego County Court Monday. Meridy was 1 of 4 people charged in the death of 53 year old Kenneth Robinson of Worcester, he pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder in August, in a plea bargain deal. 53-year-old Kenneth Robinson was shot and killed while being robbed in his Worcester home in October of 2019, his home was set on fire, 1 of those arrested was Robinson's son, Dylan Robinson, others arrested were 15-year-old Anias Soto, 16-year-old Alexander Borgreen for murder and burglary, 16-year-old Alexi Lottermann was charged with burglary.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded Thursday to a disturbance at the Masonville Mirabito convenience store. 67-year-old Edward Sherman of Masonville was operating a motor vehicle while his driving privileges were revoked & that he had been operating an unregistered, uninspected, and uninsured motor vehicle. Sherman was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, among other similar charges, he was released and directed to appear in the Town of Masonville Court on a later date.

Otsego County Department of Health reported Monday that they had 6 more cases of COVID 19. Since October 1, 2020 84 cases have been reported, 35 have been in college students & 49 in county residents. Of those 49 cases 25 have been linked to 2 separate weddings. 7 cases have been associated with the first wedding and 18 cases with the most recent wedding. Otsego County has had 981 total confirmed cases, there are 39 active cases, 1 hospitalization, 7 deaths, 751 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta, and 30 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

Delaware County reported 2 new cases of COVID-19 Monday & 1 death. The number of active cases is now 15. To date there have been 157 confirmed positive cases, with 119 people under mandatory quarantine, 11 people are at home and 4 people are in a hospital, 9 people have died and 133 have fully recovered.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-23-20

Delaware County Sheriff's Department arrested 19 year old Dakota Hall of Fleischmanns for 2nd degree murder following a domestic dispute in Fleischmanns Thursday night.  Deputies, State Police & EMT's responded at about 10:50 PM Thursday night to a reported stabbing at a residence on Main Street. The stabbing victim, 27-year-old Eric Hall, was taken to Margaretville Memorial Hospital and died for injuries sustained in the attack.  Dakota Hall was taken into custody without incident by Deputies for allegedly stabbing his brother; Hall was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending future court action.  The investigation is ongoing.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a head-on collision in the Town of Franklin on Wednesday afternoon.  Deputies reported that at about 5:30 PM, they responded with EMT's to the accident on County Highway 21 near Leland Hull Road.  Deputies determined that a vehicle driven by 50 year-old Jeffrey Lewis of Walton crossed over the center line and collided with a vehicle driven by 62 year-old Wayne Knorr of Laurens, causing the Knorr vehicle to overturn several times.  Knorr was taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for a head injury; Lewis was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital also for the treatment of a head injury.  Lewis’ driving privileges were revoked as a result of previous alcohol related offense, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device, failure to keep right and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, he was released to appear in Town of Franklin court at a later date.  Alcohol was not a contributing factor in this accident.

The Chenango County Health Department announced that their contact tracing team interviewed a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, that individual reported having visited the Greene Community Fitness Center at 7 South Canal Street in Greene between October 11th & 14th during the infectious period.   Any individual frequenting this establishment during the time indicated below should closely monitor themselves for COVID symptoms, those who exhibit symptoms should self-quarantine and contact their medical provider.  Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 statistics today.  Currently they have 47 Active Cases, 230 Quarantines with 2 hospitalizations.  They have had 347 Total Confirmed Cases, 253 Total Recoveries, 7 deaths & they have conducted over 33,900 tests, more information is available at 337-1660.

The Prospect Hill Cemetery Association Board is looking to receive a grant to help with repairs to the wall near East Main Street, they have decided to apply to Southern Tier Tuesdays.com and see if we could a $2,000 Grant.  Association President Debra Tompkins-Cornett explains how people can help by voting once a day for 5 days, starting this Sunday:

(Debra Tompkins-Cornett 10-23-20)

Prospect Hill Cemetery has been nominated along with 11 others for the Grant; people can go to southerntiertuesdays.com to vote beginning this Sunday.

Governor Cuomo announced $357 million in funding for the renewal of 135 paving projects throughout the State. Locally $42.4 million will go for rehabilitating I-88 from exit 17 Colliersville/Cooperstown Junction to exit 18 Schenevus in Otsego County, $3.2 million will be used to resurface Route 8 from the Village of Sidney Line to south of the intersection of Routes 37 and 51 in Mount Upton & $4.5 million to resurface Route 206 from Route 27 in the Hamlet of Trout Creek to the Village of Walton Line.

Early voting begins tomorrow around the region.  Area Counties have different times & locations for early voting from tomorrow through November 1st, contact your county Board of Elections for specific dates & times.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-23-20

Broome County Health Department announced that they have 103 new COVID 19 cases and 55 recoveries, the county's active cases up to 646.  There was another death reported, bringing the county's death count up to 89, the number of people hospitalized went up by 5 to a total of 19.  The total number of cases is up to 3060, 2325 have recovered.  The County has a 3.7% positivity rate; it's over 9% in the state designated "Yellow" zone.

The Oneonta City School District have switched middle and high school students to remote learning yesterday & again today after being notified of a teacher testing positive.  NO student or any faculty/staff member is deemed a “close contact” to the affected teacher, according to a district letter; all elementary buildings will open as normal. Middle & High School students are scheduled to return on the previous hybrid schedule Monday.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 10 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday; they are investigating a cluster of cases that originated at a wedding that has now spread into the community.  Current COVID numbers, they report 952 total confirmed cases, 27 active cases with  2 hospitalizations, they've had 7 deaths,  747 probable and confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta &  Hartwick College reported 2 more cases of COVID-19 have been detected, they have 3 active cases on campus; the total number of cases is 24.

Delaware County Public Health reported 4 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday, with 12 active cases, 3 hospitalizations, & 73 in quarantine.  Delaware County is up to 149 cases since March with 8 deaths and 129 recoveries.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their "Commitment to Community" Annual Dinner Saturday Night.  The guest Speakers will be Kerri Green of Commerce Chenango & Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, at Club 55 on Union Street in Sidney.  The Chamber will honor their Citizen of the Year award winner Roy Nabinger, their Business of the Year; My Home Gym, The Business of Distinction award goes to John’s Garage and the Service Organization of the Year is The Bainbridge Lion’s Club.

The Baristacrats Coffee Bar of Afton is teaming up with Gavin's Pizzeria on Division Street in Sidney on Sunday; they will be donating a percentage of the day's sales to the Afton VFW Building Project.  Baristacrats owner Alexis Van Buren explains:

(Alexis Van Buren 10-23-20)

Van Buren said that The Afton VFW building needs renovations; the building was built in 1898.  Contributions can also be mailed to P.O. Box 238, Afton NY 13730.  The combined effort will be held at Gavin’s Sunday from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM.

DEA's next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, many local police departments also have drop boxes available year round to get expired medications or unused narcotics out of the waste stream or out of criminal hands.  A listing of local law enforcement agencies & fire Departments participating can be found at the WCDO Facebook page.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-16-20

Governor Cuomo announced that 652 new cases of COVID 19 were diagnosed Tuesday out of the 75,087 tests administered Bringing Statewide Total to 446,366.   Patient Hospitalization were up slightly to 483, 138 were in ICU Beds, 67 were on Ventilators there were 4 deaths, bringing the Total number of Deaths to 25,410

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host a Virtual Meeting about Public Health during COVID-19, tonight at 7:00 PM through Zoom.  Otsego County director of Public Health Heidi Bond will be 1 of the participants; the session will cover topics such as contact tracing, serum testing, the importance of COVID-19 testing and pool testing.  The event is open to the public, more information or registration is available at 432-4500 or by email:  BAHeegan@otsegocc.com

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are at 245 total cases of COVID19 since March, they have 5 active cases, 1 hospitalization, 105 quarantines, 7 deaths, 218 recoveries, and they have performed over 26,100 tests.

Village Elections were held Tuesday around the state.  Many area candidates ran unopposed, in the Unadilla mayor's race; write in candidate Jack Insinga defeated longtime incumbent mayor Dave Welch 36 to 29.  Trustees’ seats were won by Paul Baldwin & Joshua Palmer.  In Afton, incumbent Mayor Janice Nickerson won over write in candidate Mellissa Mathews, village board member Robert Humphrey defeated write in candidate Alexis VanBuren.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers will be extended through December 31, 2020, as the State continues to provide supportive services during the COVID-19 public health crisis. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, New York State's health insurance marketplace, or directly through insurers.   Consumers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, and by connecting with a free enrollment assistor.

State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker announced nursing homes in New York will be allowed to resume limited visitations for facilities that have been without COVID-19 for at least 14 days, a revision to the 28 day guidelines previously set by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This updated guidance will allow eligible visitation in approximately 500 of the state’s 613 nursing homes. The guidelines go into effect Thursday; they require visitors to present a verified negative test result within the last seven days. More information is available at health.ny.gov/facilities.

The Delaware County Chamber Of Commerce is holding their 2nd of 3 job fair events this afternoon in Delhi, Chamber President Ray Pucci Comments:

(Ray Pucci 9-16-20)

Pucci said that today & the final Job Fair on Friday will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 under the tents outside of the Chamber office at 5 1/2 Main Street in Delhi.  More information is available at delawarecounty.org.

Otsego County Department of Health announced 3 new cases were reported for COVID 19, 2 were close contacts of a positive and 1 had no identified exposure. Currently, the county reports 684 confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta, 15 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students, there are 42 active cases currently residing in the county.  There have been 844 total confirmed cases & there are no hospitalizations.  There will be free rapid testing at the Armory in Oneonta from 9am-6pm today, call 547-4279 to register.

Delaware County Public Health received no positive lab reports for COVID-19 Wednesday, they still report 117 total Positive tests since March, 108 have recovered, 3 active cases are recovering at home, 6 have died, 61 are quarantined & Delaware County Public Health has conducted Results 16535 tests.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 26 year old Eric Meade of Oneonta for Petit Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Criminal Trespass, following a complaint of a theft in progress on South Side Drive in the town of Oneonta Sunday morning.  Troopers spotted Meade, who was in possession of coins that were allegedly stolen out of unlocked cars on South Side Drive.  The investigation also revealed he had also taken items from an unlocked vehicle on Glen Drive.  Meade was processed then released on appearance tickets to the town of Oneonta court on October 20, 2020.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-25-20

Governor Cuomo announced today that travelers from Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland and Montana will no longer have to self-quarantine for 14 days when arriving in New York.  The U.S. territory of Guam was added to the states quarantine list, the full list can be found at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

The Federal EPA is planning to complete the clean-up of the GCL Tie & Treating plant in Sidney that closed over 26 years ago, and was included on the Federal Superfund site in 1994.  The plant was contaminated by creosote, which was used to treat railroad ties, the owners abandoned the business & the creosote contaminated groundwater.  The EPA will hold an online public meeting September 3rd at 7 PM at Eventbrite.com.

Chenango County Public Health released their latest COVID 19 statistics this morning.  They report that they are up to 223 total confirmed cases since March, there are 84 people in quarantine, 1 is hospitalized, there have been 7 deaths, 200 recoveries, & over 21,300 tests have been performed.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they were up to 1165 COVID 19 cases, with 75 deaths, 1009 recoveries, 536 are being monitored by the department. They have conducted over 35,700 tests.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office arrested 27 year old Ridge McCollum of Whitney point following an investigation into the report of a car in a ditch in Windsor.  Deputies accuse McCollum of trying to ingest cocaine that was discovered by sheriff's deputies during their investigation.  McCollum was charged with tampering with physical evidence, DWI, Criminal Possession of a controlled substance & obstructing governmental administration, he faces court action at a later date.

Attorney General Letitia James today announced an $85 million multistate settlement with American Honda Motor Company over allegations that Honda concealed safety failures in the airbags of certain Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the United States. The settlement was reached between a coalition of 48 attorneys general and Honda & it concludes a multistate investigation into Honda's alleged failure to inform regulators and consumers of issues related to the frontal airbag systems installed in certain model cars, which resulted in at least 14 deaths and over 200 injuries in the United States alone.   Customers can learn about the class action settlement at AutoAirbagSettlement.com or visit Honda's airbag recall website at HondaAirbagInfo.com.

The Otsego County Health Department announced that they will hold another free COVID 19 testing on Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON at the former "Greenies" site on state route 7 in Otego, near the Unatego school campus.  This testing site is for people who are not sick but want to be tested by a nasal swab.  This is a drive up testing site. Individuals will be required to remain in their vehicle and wear a mask when pulling up to the testing tent.  This testing site is for Otsego County residents only who preregister by calling 547-4279.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 8-25-20

State Police arrested 48 year old Robert Gregory of Oneonta for 3 counts of Forcible Touching, 3 counts of Sexual Abuse and 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  An investigation was opened when the parents of two victims under the age of 17 contacted State Police, an investigation revealed that Gregory allegedly made inappropriate sexual comments and forcibly touched the intimate parts of 2 under aged victims. Gregory was virtually arraigned and remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond.  The judge issued orders of protections to each of the victims.

Governor Cuomo issued an executive order that requires county boards of elections to be ready for the changes in voting in the November elections.  The executive order requires county boards of elections to Send a mailing outlining all deadlines for voters by Tuesday, September 8, Send staffing plans and needs to the State Board of Elections by September 20th so they can assist them in ensuring adequate coverage, make sure that boards are ready to count votes and reconcile affidavit and absentee ballots by 48 hours after elections & Provide an option for New Yorkers to vote absentee in village, town and special district elections.

Delaware County received no new positive test result for COVID-19 since Friday, 1 additional recovery has been reported. The known active cases in the County as of today is 3, all are recovering at home. To date there have been 101 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 29 people now under mandatory quarantine, 6 people have died and 92 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo today signed into law sweeping election reforms that will make it easier for New Yorkers to vote and be counted in November. The 3-part package includes new measures allowing absentee ballot applications to be submitted to the Board of Elections immediately, expanding the necessary protections to allow a voter to get an absentee ballot due to risk or fear of illness including COVID-19 and ensuring all absentee ballots postmarked on or before Election Day or received by the Board of Elections without a postmark on the day after the Election will be counted. Ballots with a postmark demonstrating that they were mailed on or before Election Day will be counted if received by November 10.

State Police at Oneonta arrested 39 year old Daniel Merwin of Jefferson for the 1st degree Assault, plus Menacing, Criminal Mischief & 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, they also arrested 37 year old Jeremy Chase of Harpersfield for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Reckless Endangerment, Menacing & 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Troopers and Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a dispute between neighbors with a shot fired.  Merwin is accused of striking Chase with a wooden fence post & using his vehicle to damage a fence, Chase is accused shooting a firearm into the ground, and the altercation allegedly took place in the presence of children.  Merwin and Chase were processed & will appear at the town of Harpersfield court on August 24th.

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced $286,263 in federal funding to expand nursing opportunities and combat workforce shortages in the Southern Tier.   The funding will be used to establish clinical education and training programs in the region at UHS, SUNY and Broome County hospitals.  The Appalachian Regional Commission will provide $110,111 of the total $286,263 project fund.

Representatives from Casinos across the state were rallying in Albany today, as they seek guidance from the Governor's Office & The State Health Department in order to re-open.   Todd Chandler is the Assistant General Manager & Regional Director of Marketing for Tioga Downs; he told WCDO News that they have taken all the precautions for reopening, and casinos are always under intense scrutiny:

(Todd Chandler 8-6-20)

Chandler said that if Tioga Downs does not reopen by October 1st, the furloughed employees would officially become unemployed.  About 5000 New Yorkers were employed at casinos prior to the beginning of the pandemic & the subsequent shutdown.

Governor Cuomo and the State Health Department announced the latest statewide COVID 19 numbers on Wednesday.  There were 601 new cases discovered Wednesday, about .78% of all those tested, which brings the state total to over 427,800.  There are 518 people Hospitalized, 120 are in an ICU, 62 are on ventilators, there were 5 deaths from the virus, the state death toll since March is 25,275

Chenango county Public Health released their latest COVID 19 numbers today.  They are still at 218 total cases & have been for several days, they report that there are 101 Active Quarantines, 1 current Hospitalization, 7 deaths, 199 Recoveries and over 20,270 tests have been administered.

Broome County Health Department reported a small increase in their COVID 19 positive tests; they are up to 1128 total cases since March, with 75 deaths, 989 recoveries, and 500 being monitored by the Health Department.  The have performed over 34,300 tests.

State Police arrested 21 year old Jordan Pratt of Ithaca for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon.  Troopers monitoring traffic on I-88 in Otego observed a vehicle a traffic infraction, troopers detected an odor of marijuana;   Pratt is accused of possessing 2 illegal and loaded handguns and a quantity of drugs.  The driver and 2 other passengers were not charged.  Pratt was arraigned virtually and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

The Otsego County Health Department announced another free COVID 19 testing site Today from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, at the Southside Mall Parking Lot in Oneonta.  The testing is for people who are not sick but want to be tested, by a nasal swab.  This is a drive up testing site. Individuals will be required to remain in their vehicle and wear a mask when pulling up to the testing tent.  This testing site is for Otsego County residents only, call 547-4279 to pre-register for the clinic.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host its 34th Annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament today at the Oneonta Country Club, with a 1:00 PM shotgun start.  The event will follow all Social Distancing Guidelines and Safety Protocols.   A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to the Community Foundation of Otsego County.  More information is available at 432-4500.

Delaware County received 1 new positive test result for COVID-19 Wednesday and 1 additional recovery is reported. The number of active cases in the County is 3, they are isolated & recovering at home, there have been 100 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 23 people now under mandatory quarantine, 6 people have died and 91 have fully recovered.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for existing rural broadband funding to be spent as millions of families continue to adjust to a new normal of online learning, work, and health care due to the COVID-19 crisis.

(Gillibrand 6-23-20)

Gillibrand is calling on the Trump administration to spend the allocated money now as thousands of Rural New Yorkers still have poor broadband internet service or no service at all.

Governor Cuomo along with Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut & Phil Murphy of New Jersey, are considering adopting a mandatory quarantine for visitors from states with increases in their Coronavirus Numbers.  New York State has the lowest rate of infection at .77, and less than 1% of people tested have the virus, both are the lowest numbers of all 50 states.  In the beginning of the pandemic, states like Florida required New York Visitors to quarantine for 2 weeks, now Florida, along with Texas, Arizona and 19 other states have registered their highest numbers for Coronavirus cases in recent weeks.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have 140 total confirmed cases, with 23 people quarantined, no one is hospitalized, 131 have recovered, there have been 6 deaths, and over 9300 tests have been conducted.

Bassett Healthcare Network will partially lift visitation restrictions at their hospital locations this week.  Bassett’s hospital locations will begin permitting 1 visitor at a time per admitted patient between the hours of 12:00 noon and 8:00 PM daily, starting tomorrow except for O’Connor Hospital, which has already started allowing visitors. All people who enter buildings must wear a mask and participate in screening procedures, including temperature checks and a brief questionnaire. More information is available at bassett.org/safe-care.

Commerce Chenango will present their next webinar regarding the potential Phase 4 Reopening this Thursday at 3:30 p.m.   Presenters include Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green, members of the Chenango County Health Department, and Chenango County Emergency Services Manager Matt Beckwith & Jessica Moquin of the Chenango County Historical Society.  Preregistration is required by emailing register@chenangony.org.

Primary voting is being held today across New York State.  All Chenango County Voters will vote Today at the Chenango County Sheriff's Office in the town of Norwich, while Otsego, Delaware & Broome counties have cut back on the number of polling places, the information can be found on the county websites, or by calling Broome County Board of Elections: 778-2172, Delaware County Board of Elections: 832-5321 or the Otsego County Board of Elections: 547-4247

Otsego County Department of Health announced 1 New case of the Coronavirus Monday, they now have 74 total confirmed cases, no one is hospitalized, 65 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, 26 people are quarantined, 314 people released from quarantine, they have conducted 4,754 tests.

Delaware County is reporting no new case of COVID-19, To date there have been 81 confirmed positive cases, 9 people are quarantined,  1 person is in the hospital, 2 are isolated at home, 5 people have died and 73 have fully recovered.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 20-year-old Noah Shambaugh of Oneonta Sunday in relation to a domestic dispute earlier this year.   On March 30th, Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in the Town of Delhi, The complaint was referred to Delaware County Court for further action and Deputies received a criminal summons and order of protection, Shambaugh was located in the City of Oneonta Sunday where he was arrested & was directed to appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

Firefighters in Norwich fought a blaze at 20 Brown Street Sunday afternoon at around 3:35 PM.  1 occupant escaped firefighters from North Norwich & Plymouth assisted the Norwich Fire Department, no injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they now have 139 positive cases of the Coronavirus.  No one is hospitalized currently, 33 are quarantined, 131 have recovered, there were 6 deaths, and they have conducted over 880 tests.

Broome County Health Department announced their Coronavirus numbers Monday that they have 632 total cases of the Coronavirus, with 51 deaths, 545 recoveries, and 146 are being monitored by the department, they have conducted just under 18,000 tests.

The Town of Guilford Board will hold a special meeting on Zoom Wednesday night at 7:00 PM.  The Town Attorney & the Board will be discussing the proposed Certificate Conditions on the High Bridge Wind farm LLC proposal, more information is available at 895-9966.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 49 year old Jonathan Brooks of Walton after stopping an uninsured vehicle in the Village of Walton.   Brooks is accused of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; his driving privileges were also suspended because of his auto insurance not being in effect.  Brooks was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle among other charges, he was ordered to appear in Village of Walton Court at a later date.

State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Friday night to a shooting on Light Road in Harpursville.  An investigation revealed that 38 year old Timothy Wilcox shot his estranged wife, 35 year old Meghan Wilcox then turned the gun on himself, and a 16-year-old teen was at the house at the time of the incident and was not injured.  Meghan Wilcox was transported Wilson Hospital in Johnson City where she is in critical condition, Timothy  Wilcox was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City and later flown to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse & was in critical condition, he is employed as a peace officer with the Broome County Security Division.   The investigation is on-going.

State Police responded to a fatal motorcycle crash on State Route 79 in the town of Windsor.  50 year old Brian Bidwell of Virginia was traveling southbound on State Route 79 when he left the roadway for an unknown reason and stuck a ditch.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Polling Sites have been consolidated in all area Counties for Tomorrow's Primary voting, for those who did not send in or vote early.  All Chenango County Voters will vote Tuesday at the Chenango County Sheriff's Office in the town of Norwich, Otsego, Delaware & Broome counties have consolidated polling places, the information can be found on the county websites, or by calling Broome County Board of Elections: 778-2172, Delaware County Board of Elections: 832-5321or the Otsego County Board of Elections: 547-4247

Chenango County Sheriff's deputies arrested Garrett Hunter for 3 Counts of Burglary, plus Criminal Contempt, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Grand Larceny, among other charges for allegedly breaking into the Mirabito Gas Station in Sherburne on 2 separate occasions.  Hunter is accused of stealing a loaded handgun from a vehicle in Sherburne, & breaking into a victim’s residence in Smyrna.   Hunter was located hiding inside of the victim’s residence by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail, further charges may be filed, the investigation is continuing.

Delaware County is reported 1 new case of COVID-19 and no additional recoveries, there have been 81 confirmed positive cases, 9 people are quarantined, 1 person is in the hospital, 2 are isolated at home, 5 people have died and 73 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo concluded his 111 day string of Coronavirus briefings today in Albany; he reminded New Yorkers that although the state now has the lowest infection rate, 22 states are still seeing large increases in positive cases & New Yorkers must remain vigilant:

(Cuomo 6-19-20)

The state has 1284 people hospitalized, & is averaging about 25 deaths daily, the state death toll is 24, 686.  New York has had a total of 386,556 positive Coronavirus cases, currently just less than 1% are testing positive.

The Chenango County Agricultural Society announced that they have decided to cancel the 173rd Chenango County Fair in Norwich this year.  The fair is being canceled due to continuing concerns from the Coronavirus pandemic.

The State Department of Labor announced that the state economy added 137,300 Private sector jobs in May to 6.6 Million jobs.  The State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 15.3% to 14.5% in May, the number of unemployed New Yorkers decreased by 76,300.

Chenango County Public Health announced today that they are up to 139 positive Coronavirus cases since early March.  Currently, 39 are quarantined, no one is hospitalized, there have been 6 deaths and 130 recoveries, and they have conducted over 8200 tests.

Broome County Health Department announced their Coronavirus numbers Friday, they have 627 total cases, 49 deaths, 535 recoveries, 172 are being monitored by the department, and they have conducted over 17,420 tests.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced a more than $1 million grant for Opportunities for Chenango. The funds are administered through the Department of Health and Human Services, & will be used for the Head Start Program.

Nick Libous is once again running for the Republican Party nomination in the 122nd Assembly District, following the announcement that Cliff Crouch was retiring after 25 years in the Assembly.  Libous Told WCDO News what his priorities are:

(Nick Libous 6-19-20)

Libous faces 3 other Republicans in the June 23rd Primary, James Powers, Vic Furman & Joe Angelino.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 and 2 additional recoveries, there have been 80 confirmed positive cases, 10 people are quarantined, 1 person is in the hospital, 1 is isolated at home, 5 people have died and 73 have fully recovered.

Early Voting for next Tuesday's primaries will run through Sunday, Question about early voting, or the polling sites on Tuesday can be found on the county websites of by calling Broome County Board of Elections: 778-2172,  Chenango County Board of Elections: 337-1760, Delaware County Board of Elections: 832-5321 or the Otsego County Board of Elections: 547-4247

Otsego County is in receipt of hand sanitizer from New York State to be distributed to businesses that prove they have completed the business affirmation required on the NY Forward website.  Any business may request and receive two gallons of hand sanitizer and one pump for their business.  Businesses can contact the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services at 547-4227.

The State Health Department reported that the number of Coronavirus cases continues to increase, up to 364,965, hospitalizations are about 4000 state wide, 74 people died from the virus Tuesday, bring the state death toll to 23,643.

Chenango County Public Health reported that they have had an increase in Coronavirus cases to 123, 1 patient is hospitalized, 89 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths and 95 are quarantined.

The Broome County Health Department reports an increase in Croronavirus cases and deaths today.  527 Positive cases have been reported, there are now 41 deaths, 341 recoveries and 426 are being monitored for the Virs by the Health Department.

The Otsego County Department of Health Announced today that the free rabies clinics for the month of June have been cancelled, any updates or charges in the future regarding the rabies clinics will be posted on the Otsego County Health Department website.

The Afton Fair Board has announced that this year's Afton fair has been cancelled, and they plan to hold the next fair in 2021.  The 2020 Afton Fair was originally scheduled for July 9 to July 12.

The State Board of Elections reminds all state residents that the deadline to register to vote for the June 23rd Primaries is this Friday. Mail-in voter registration forms must be postmarked by midnight, May 29th; New Yorkers wanting to register in-person may do so at their county boards of elections, but must do so no later than this Friday.  Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, mail in registration is recommended.    The voter registration form can be downloaded from ELECTIONS.NY.GOV or through your account with the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County is offering a "Working Through Grief" workshop today at 5:30 PM for 1st Responders & Healthcare staff, The presentation will be held remotely by grief counselor Rachel Barletta, Hospice Operations Manager Lindsey O’Donnell explains:

(Lindsey O'Donnell 5-27-20)

The presentation will be held through Zoom, those interested are asked to pre-register at rbarletta@hopspicechenango.org or call 334-3556.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 38-year-old Joseph Navas of Davenport on May 19th for attempted assault, menacing, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.  Deputies responded to a report of a domestic dispute in progress involving a male subject threatening others with a knife, Upon arrival Deputies learned that Navas allegedly bit a victim & threatened a number of people with a knife.  Navas was issued a temporary order of protection and, & was released on appearance tickets for the Town of Davenport on a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in their investigation of recent vandalism to the historic Hamden Covered Bridge. On May 21st, a local resident reported discovering new graffiti spray painted on the interior of the wooden covered bridge and area road signage, the names “Jake” and “Dylan” were spray painted inside the bridge,   Delaware County DPW employees have removed the paint from the road signage, and began attempting to remove the spray paint from the rough cut lumber of the bridge.  Deputies are asking anyone with information, to call 832-5555, or toll-free (888) 914-9111.

Delaware County is reporting 1 new case of COVID-19 Tuesday, The known active cases in the County is now 13.  To date there have been 73 confirmed positive cases, 27 people are quarantined, 5 are isolated in the hospital, 8 are isolated at home, 4 people have died and 56 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo held his latest Coronavirus briefing in Rochester this morning; he discussed the different phases of opening for businesses which is likely to begin May 15th:

(Cuomo 5-4-20)

The Governor Stated that the CDC Guideline dictate that a state needs to have 14 straight days of a decline in new Hospitalizations from this or any pandemic, the state has had only 3 days straight of that decline.  Meanwhile, The State Labor department has identified some of the problem with those who claim that they have not received an unemployment check after filing an application, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa explains:

(Melissa DeRosa 5-4-20)

DeRosa said that the Department of Labor will regularly send emails informing New Yorkers when they are able to begin certifying and receiving their benefits.

Chenango County Public Health updated their Coronavirus statistics Monday; they now have 99 confirmed cases, with 5 people hospitalized, 47 in quarantine, 4 deaths & 73 recoveries.

Broome County released their latest Coronavirus numbers this afternoon, they now report 333 positive cases, 22 deaths, 184 are being monitored by the Health department, 206 have recovered.

The Otsego County Health Department announced today that they have no new cases of the Coronavirus to report.  They have 62 confirmed cases, 1 person is hospitalized, 57 have recovered, there have been 4 deaths, and 25 people are quarantined.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York is joining a regional coalition of 7 nearby states to make the purchases of PPE's as a group, to lower the prices and not have the state competing against each other:

(Cuomo 7 states)

Participating in the coalition are New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, but the ideal would be to have those necessary items made in the US.

State Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 23 additional attorneys general urged the U.S. Senate to take action to protect women nationwide by reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.  The Violence Against Women Act was originally signed into law in 1994, it has been reauthorized several times, but when the most recent reauthorization expired in September 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve in April of 2019, the US Senate has not acted on the bill. During the Coronavirus Pandemic & subsequent quarantines, violence against women has increased.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 44 year old Christopher Merwin of Walton for disseminating “revenge porn” early last month.   Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the Town of Hamden involving the alleged non-consensual sharing and dissemination of an intimate image depicting the victim, Merwin is accused of sending the image of the victim to a 3rd party by electronic means. Merwin was picked up Friday on an arrest warrant issued by the Delaware County Court he was charged him with unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image, he was arraigned by teleconference& he was served with a temporary order of protection.

Governor Cuomo issued an executive order delaying school board elections and budget votes statewide until June 9, 2020. The school board elections and budget votes will all be conducted by mail and all qualified voters will be sent an absentee ballot with return postage paid. The Executive Order also delays local special district and village elections until September 15, 2020.

Following protests around the state where protestors were not practicing social distancing or wearing protective face masks, Governor Cuomo said that law enforcement should enforce those laws:

(Cuomo 5-3-20)

New York State now has over 316,000 cases of the Coronavirus, with 9,786 hospitalized, and the state death toll is up to 19,189.

Delaware County Public Health reported 1 new case of COVID-19 Sunday.  To date there have been 73 confirmed cases, There are 22 people under mandatory quarantine, and 12 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county. 3 people are isolated in a hospital, 7 are recovering at home, 4 people are deceased and 47 have fully recovered.

Otsego County Health department reported that a bat has tested positive for rabies Friday in Oneonta.  The bat was found in a room where 4 people were sleeping, the people were started on post exposure treatment, and more information about rabies is available at 547-4230.

Sidney Central School District Superintendent Eben Bullock asks that as the temperatures start to increase, each family receiving a bulk food delivery should leave a cooler or container that can keep food cool at your door, the food will be placed inside of the container at delivery. For those interested in signing up for the bulk food delivery, contact the school at 561-7703.  Bullock also asks that district parents fill out the online survey, a link can be found on the school district website, the district's Facebook page and twitter account.

Governor Cuomo today addressed the issue of upstate farmers dumping milk they can't sell & food banks unable to keep up with the demand for food & milk in areas of high unemployment since the Coronavirus issue began in Early March:

(Cuomo 4-27-20)

The Governor said that 4 companies will be assisting with that issue, including Chobani.  Governor Cuomo announced Monday that the state has over 291,000 cases of the Coronavirus, 12,819 are hospitalized, another 337 people died Sunday, the state death toll up to 17,303.

The Broome County Health Department announced Monday that they now have 261 positive Coronavirus cases, they report 17 deaths, 117 recoveries & 254 people are quarantined.

Chenango County Public Health announced Sunday that they have 93 confirmed cases, with 115 quarantined, 6 Hospitalizations, 61 recoveries & 3 Total Deaths.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced more than $36 million for medical institutions in the 22nd district. Brindisi secured these funds through the bipartisan CARES Act. This is the second round of funding for the facilities and Brindisi vowed to fight for more dollars moving forward. Locally, Lourdes Hospital receives $6,599,000, Chenango Memorial Hospital gets $1,382,000 & the UHS Hospitals get $12,502,000

The State Board of Elections announced that they have canceled the state’s Democratic presidential primary on Monday, as the state cannot afford the potential of large gatherings at polling places in the face of the coronavirus epidemic.  Senator Bernie Sanders & Former Vice President Joe Biden were the last 2 Democrats in the hunt, until Sanders dropped out & threw his support to Biden, making the June 23rd Primary unnecessary.  42 of the state's 62 counties will still have other Primary races to vote on at the June 23rd elections.

The Otsego County Health Department announced that the free rabies clinics that were scheduled in the month of May have been cancelled.  The full list of Rabies clinics is available at the Otsego County Website; additional changes may be announced at a later date.

Gavin's Pizza in Sidney is giving away free pizzas while supplies last, Owner Mike Gavin explains:

(Gavin 4-27-20)

Gavin's pizza is located on Division Street in Sidney, they have been open for take out & deliveries due to the Coronavirus situation.

State Police and the Oneonta City Police Department announced arrests in Friday's 4 gas station robberies in Otsego County & 2 other burglaries.  41 year old Bryan Ruple of Otego was arrested on a number of charges for the 4 gas station robberies & the burglaries at Losie’s Gun Shop in the town of Davenport & the Oneonta Dollar Tree.  State Police also arrested 41 year old Derrick Gray of Laurens for his role in the convenience store robberies.   Ruple and Gray were held at the Oneonta City Police Department lock up pending court action.

Governor Cuomo outlined a potential timeline after May 15th when the "New York on Pause" may end:

(Cuomo 4-27-20)

State Budget Director Robert Mujica discussed the timeline for school budget planning & potential cuts in state aid to education:

(Mujica 4-27-20)

The state has 288,000 cases of the Coronavirus, Hospitalizations were down to 12,800, there were another 367 deaths Saturday, bring the state death toll to 16,966

The State Department of Labor announced that it has distributed $3.1 billion in unemployment benefits to New Yorkers since the coronavirus pandemic started impacting New York businesses in early March. In total, more than 1.4 million New Yorkers have submitted completed applications for unemployment benefits since the crisis began, including traditional unemployment insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.  More information is available at dol.ny.gov.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, there are 68 confirmed positive cases, 36 people are under mandatory quarantine and 1 person under precautionary quarantine. 10 cases have been transferred out of the county, 2 are in a hospital, 13 are isolated at home, 4 people are deceased and 39 have fully recovered.

Otsego County Department of Health announced Sunday that they have 1 new Coronavirus case, bringing the total to 58.  3 people are hospitalized, 45 have recovered, there have been 4 deaths, 15 people are in quarantine & 209 have been released from quarantine.

Governor Cuomo announced today that the Governors from 7 states will be coordinating their efforts to come up with plans to re-open the economy, without risking public health:

(Cuomo 4-14-20)

The State has almost 202,208 cases of the Coronavirus with 18,697 people hospitalized, which is essentially a flat number for the last 5 days, but another 778 people died Monday, bring the state death toll to 10,894.

State Police arrested 26 year old Steven Carpenter of Niagara Falls for Criminal Trespass, Resisting Arrest and Criminal Impersonation.  Troopers were assisting the village of Sidney Police with an investigation at the Speedway on State Routes 7 and 8 in the town of Bainbridge, troopers spotted Carpenter on a bicycle, he ran inside the house of an unsuspecting homeowner then out a window, across the road and down an embankment and out of sight.  Carpenter was ultimately located, he gave troopers a false name and date of birth, and he was wanted on a parole warrant from Steuben County.  Carpenter was transported to the village of Sidney police department, He was then turned over to State Police where he was issued appearance tickets to the town of Bainbridge court, and he was then turned over to the Chenango County Jail and held without bail for the parole warrant.

Delaware County Board of Elections is reminding residents of the Election Changes from Executive Orders issued by Governor Cuomo.  The April 28th Presidential Election has been postponed until June 23, however, the Yellow mail check cards were mailed before the Governor changed the election date.  There is no early voting for the April 28th Primary.  If you are eligible to vote in the June 23rd Primary but do not want to vote in person because of COVID-19 you may obtain an absentee ballot, You may check the box “Temporary illness or physical disability” as a reason for voting absentee on the absentee application, which are by download from co.delaware.ny.us, by calling the Elections Office at 832-5321 or requesting by email at: boe.move@co.delaware.ny.us.

The Otsego County Department of Health reported that a skunk has tested positive for Rabies.  The skunk was located injured on the side of a road, it was removed & Sent to the state lab in Albany.  1 person who was exposed to the rabid skunk & is undergoing post exposure treatment.  More information about rabies is available at otsegocounty.com.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik led a New York delegation letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue calling for action from the USADA to assist dairy farmers.  The letters asks to Create a direct payment program for dairy farmers equivalent, Establish a Temporary Milk Disposal Reimbursement program, Create a voucher program through the Milk Donation Program to allow for the facilitation of milk donated by grocery stores and other venues to local and regional food banks & make sure that dairy processors have access to loan programs that can help them continue to operate during the Coronavirus crisis.

The Sidney Town Board announced today that their next meeting has been rescheduled for April 29th at 7:00 PM. The meeting will not be open to the public, but it will be available on Zoom, more information is available at the Town of Sidney web page.

State Senator Jim Seward has been discharged from Albany Medical Center, following a bout with the Coronavirus.  Senator Seward will continue convalescing at home.

Delaware County has received 5 new positive test results Monday for the Coronavirus, the County now has 53 confirmed positive cases, there are an additional 40 people under mandatory quarantine, 6 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county to where the person resides. Of the 47 confirmed positive cases still in Delaware County 4 are isolated in a hospital, 28 are isolated and recovering safely at their homes, 3 people are deceased and 12 have fully recovered and are no longer in isolation.

Otsego County has released an update on the Coronavirus pandemic, they have 45 confirmed cases with 5 hospitalized, 19 have recovered and are off isolation & there have been 2 deaths.  49 people on mandatory quarantine, 3 people on precautionary quarantine 102 people have been released from quarantine.

Broome County now has 146 Positive Coronavirus cases, they now have 8 deaths, 27 recoveries, and 218 are in quarantine, they have administered 1038 tests.

Chenango County Public Health reported Tuesday 65 Positive cases of the Coronavirus, after getting 2 more positive tests.   Chenango County reports 9 Hospitalizations, 22 Recoveries, there are 227 people under quarantine, and they have tested 361 people so far.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the State has over 149,000 cases of the Coronavirus; they have reported 6,268 deaths so far, with another record breaking amount on Tuesday of 779 deaths.

(Cuomo 4-8-20)

Cuomo said that the Number of those entering Hospitals & ICU beds is about 1/3 of the peak number from 10 days to 2 weeks ago; the number of recoveries continues to steadily increase.

Governor Cuomo today said that New Yorkers, who are unemployed because of the Coronavirus situation, will be receiving a $600 benefit, and their weekly benefits will be extended an additional 13 weeks to 39 weeks.

Chenango County Health officials announced Wednesday that they are now up to 53 confirmed Coronavirus cases.  7 people are hospitalized, 7 have recovered, 67 are in precautionary Quarantine, and 327 are in Mandatory quarantine.

The Otsego County Department of Health had 38 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus Wednesday, 4 are hospitalized, 9 have recovered & there has been 1 death.   113 people are in mandatory quarantine, 2 people on precautionary quarantine, 43 people have been released from quarantine.

Delaware County announced Wednesday that they have 42 Coronavirus cases, excluding those cases that that were transferred to New York City.  22 are in mandatory isolation, 6 in precautionary quarantine & 42 are in mandatory quarantine

Broome County had 88 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus Wednesday, 9 have recovered, there have been 6 deaths, 48 are in precautionary quarantine, and 161 are in mandatory quarantine.

Commerce Chenango will start a "Virtual Lunch" Webinar Series over the next 5 Thursdays on "Zoom" starting tomorrow, regarding Important Issues and Concerns to area businesses trying to navigate their way through this difficult time.  Commerce Chenango CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 4-8-20)

Green said that the virtual series is being offered free of charge and is open to the public. Participants are asked to support a local restaurant by ordering their to-go lunch prior to the webinar. To register, email "register@chenangony.org" or call 334-1402. An email confirmation with the invitation link for the webinar will be sent to the registrant 24 hours in advance of the webinar.

State Senator Jim Seward's office announced today that he was moved out of intensive care Unit at Albany Medical Tuesday night, where he is being treated for the Coronavirus, he is expected to begin to convalesce at home as soon as it is deemed appropriate.

The New York State Fair will be five days longer this year, if the fair isn't canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The state budget includes a total of $5 million to extend the fair and continue repair and rehabilitation of the fair's facilities to allow for year-round operation of the fairgrounds.  The five-day extension will push the first day of the fair up to Friday, August 21.

The Coronavirus pandemic has thrown the Dairy industry, local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch explains:

(Crouch 4-8-20)

Cornell University economists predict that the Coronavirus could be even more devastating to the Dairy industry than the 2009 recession.

Delaware County meeting will continue today, by teleconferencing.  The Department of Public Works Committee will meet via conference call at 8:45 AM, The Delaware County Finance Committee will meet via conference call at 10:30 AM, and The Delaware County Board of Supervisors will hold its regular meeting at 1:00 p.m. by teleconference as part of the County's COVID-19 response plan.  All business conducted by the Board of Supervisors will be recorded for the public and a full transcript will be made available on the county’s webpage.

The Delaware County Board of Elections reported that registered voters will receive a mail check card shortly; however these cards were printed out before the dates of the Primaries were moved to June 23rd from the original April date, anyone with questions can contact the Board of Elections at 832-5321 or by email BOE.MOVE@co.delaware.ny.us